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1m 12, 1943. M, KEEGAN 2,308,373

COMBINATION SQUARE Filed Dec. 8, 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. MALCOLM KEEGA/v vwax/0%,?

ATTORN Y.

' Jan. 12, 1943.

I COMBINATION SQUARE Filed Dec. 8, 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 IFFS $3 8 @911. 59 0 Imam 85 1 \\\\\\\\\IIIIIIII/A/ 96-- Qgavmi? INVENTORY MA COLM KEE GAN ATTO EY.

M. KEEGAN 2,308,373

Jan. 12, 1943. M. KEEGAN COMBINATION SQUARE Filed Dec. 8, 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 I? 25 5 52 45 C 4 r I 4 75 74 2 T 55: v 5 "f-\ 6 m" I I I i h] lllllllllhllllllll 310. I 26 INVENTOR. M LCOLM KEEGAN ATTORNEY.

Qfkw W Jan. 12, 194 3. I M, RE AN 2,308,373

COMBINATION SQUARE Filed Dec. 8, 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORQ MAL COL M KEEGAN M. KEEGAN 2,398,373

COMBINATION SQUARE Filed Dec. 8, 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 lazy a, a 79 i- 1.5 E 94 INVENTQR. MALCOLM Ks E AN Patented Jan. 12, 1943 COMBINATION SQUARE Malcolm Keegan, Los Angeles, Calif. Application December 8, 1939, Serial No. 308,203

4 Claims.

This invention relates to tools and more especially to a combination square, protractor and inclinometer.

A general object of the invention is to provide a unitary tool or instrument combining the features of a square, center square, bevel protractor, polygon miter, arc conformator, inclinometer, universal level and angle divider;

A specific object is to provide a tool of the character described having a plurality of circular work engaging faces adapted for use as a scribing gauge for straight, circular, oval, ogee curve, or other irregular shaped work.

- Another object is to provide a new and useful gauge having a plurality of circular work engaging faces adapted to cooperate with other portions of the tool to perform functions mentioned in preceding object.

Another object is to provide a center square having adjustable blade seating means to permit lateral adjustment of the blade relative to the head to compensate for wear or minor inaccuracies in manufacture.

An additional object is to provide a protractor tool having improved indexing means to indicate a large number of polygons.

An additional object is to provide improved, simplified and economical means for reversing the blade with respect to the head of the tool.

Another object is to provide an adjustable blade tool wherein the working edge of the blade is in all positions free from any overlapping of the head.

Another object is to provide a tool adapted for defining the radii of a curved edge and for defining such radii adjacent the ends of such edges.

An additional object is to provide a tool adapted to define radii as mentioned in the preceding object wherein the edge is rounded, beveled orotherwise irregular.

Another object is to provide a bevel square with improved means of settings for the zero and 90 degree positions.

Those who are acquainted with the manufacture or use of squares of this type will no doubt notice the resemblance my improved square bears to the familiar combination square now in general use by so many classes of mechanics (sometimes referred to as the Starrett square). In this type of square there is an unused or waste portion which cess enclosed by diverging straight edged working faces, which, when connected to the two customary working faces, provides in one unit theessential parts of two tools which have beenheretofore manufactured and sold separately. When a pair of circular work contacting faces are used to connect the mentioned straight edged working faces together, my improved tool is shown to be entirely surrounded by an unbroken continuity of working faces.

- Moreover, this is accomplished with but a small increase in weight and the overall dimensions compare very favorably with the squares now popular and in everyday use, and should find favor with those mechanics who now require several tools to perform the work that may be acis occupied by a bridge of webbing whichmerely serves to tie the outer ends of the usual working faces together.

I show that this unused space can be used to advantage by providing therein a right angle recomplished by this compact, convenient and unitary arrangement of parts.

The modified embodiment shown in Figs. 24 and 25 will be explained in full detail hereinafter. The following part of this disclosure is directed to that embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 1 is a View of one side of the tool showing the blade in a selected position in connection therewith;

Fig. 2 is a view of the opposite side of the tool showing the blade in another selected position;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig.4 is an exploded view of the rotatable protractor head parts;

Fig. 5 is a view of one of said parts as seen from the line 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a view of another of said parts as seen from the line 66 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of another of said parts;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view of a protractor head socket showing the part shown in Fig. '7 therein;

Fig. 9 is a view of a locking shoe shown in Figs. 3, 4'and 6; i

Fig. 10 is an inner view of that part of the level shown in Fig. 1, and in section in Fig. 3;

Fig. 11 is an edge view of the opposite side shown in Fig. 2 and in section in Fig. 3;

Fig. 12 is a side view partly in section of a blade attachment and extension member;

Fig. 13 is a top view of the same;

Fig. 14 is a view'of a slightly modified form of the tool showing blade attachment secured thereto and illustrating a method of use;

Fig. 15 is an elevation view of the same; Fig.,16 is a view taken along the line l6-l6 of Fig. 14;

Fig. 17 is a sectional view taken along the line |1|1 of Fig. 14;

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary view illustrating a method of use of the blade attachment and extension plug on a beveled or rounded edge;

Fig. 19 is an enlarged sectional view showing the blade grooves and the end of the blade attachment set screw;

Fig. 20 is a view showing the tool with a bar attachment adapted to be used as a depth gauge;

Fig. 21 is a sectional view taken along the line 2|-2| of Fig. 20;

Fig. 22 is a perspective of the tool illustrating its use as a height gauge;

Fig. 23 is a view showing the use of a blade attachment for determining radii of small circular work using either the inside or outside circular portions as a determinate;

Fig. 24 is a face view of a modified form of my invention which has been considerably simplified;

Fig. 25 is a view similar to Fig. 24 showing the blade inposition bisecting the inner right angle;

Fig. 26 is a sectional view taken along the line 26-26 of Fig. 24;

Fig. 27 is a sectional view taken along the line 2121 of Fig. 24;

Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the positioning spring clip seen also in Figs. 24, 25 and 26; and

Fig. 29 is an exploded view in perspective showing one of the blade seating members and securing means for same employed in the modified form of the tool.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, I show an embodiment of my invention which comprises a head l8 having two angularly disposed arms l9 and 20. A circular aperture 2 I, (Fig. 8) extends through the head l8 and seats a rotatable turret or protractor head which will be described more fully hereinbelow.

The side walls and end portions of arms I 9 and 20 comprise work contacting faces 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28 and 29, of which the longest 22 is designated as the base surface. Face 24 is at right which fits in bore 3|, there being a right angle groove in portion 45 forming walls 46 and 41 which will be aligned with walls 40 and 4| when the protractor head is assembled. Member 35 has a fiange 48 adapted to register with recess 33 and is provided with an aperture 49 which coincides with aperture 42 of member 34. Member 35 is provided with threaded bores 50 and 5| bored for alignment with bores 43 and 44 by which fiat headed screws 52 and 53, (Fig. 2) secure members 34 and 35 in aperture 2| of the head. Portion 45 of member 35 is cut away opposite portion 38 forming a wall 54 against which portion 38 fits snugly when assembled.

A segment shaped binding shoe 55 is positioned between members 34 and and has a smooth bore 56 centrally and transversely thereof. A blade seating member 51 (Figs. 4, 7 and 8), has a square block portion 58 in which is a transverse slot 59, the central portion of which is somewhat recessed as at 68 (Fig. 8) from the blade seating edge 51a. Block 58 is provided with a central bore 6| for a purpose to be presently explained. V

Blade seating member 51 is formed with a pair of fiat extension members 62 and 63 which are provided with elongated apertures 64 and 65 through which securing screws 52 and 53 extend. Member 51 is provided with shoulders 66 and 61 which, as may be seen from Figs. 7 and 8, are adapted to abut adjustable stop screws 68 and 68 suitably located in threaded bores in the head 3.

A blade clamping bolt 10 is adapted to slide in bore 6| and has a threaded end portion for a angles to face 22 and face 23 is at an angle of degrees with face 22. Faces 25 and 26 are atright angles to each other and meet at an apex 21 which may be recessed to aiford access to the exact angle of intersection of these faces. Faces 25 and 26 are of equal length for reasons which will become more apparent hereinafter. Faces 23 and 25 converge in a circular work contacting face 28, and faces 22 and 26 similarly converge in a circular work contacting face 29. A corner formed by intersection of faces 22 and 24 is designated 3|] and will be specially referredto hereinafter.

Aperture 2| has'a wall portion 3| and two rabbeted-or recessed shoulders 32 and 33, (Fig. 3) for receiving the split rotatable turret or protractor head, detail parts of which are shown in Figs. 4 to 9. The protractor head comprises circular members 34 and 35, member 34 having circular sided portions 36 which fit within circular wall 3| for rotation, and a flange portion 31 adapted to fit in recessedshoulder 32. Member 34 has a straight faced portion 38' in which is a threaded bore 39 located centrally and transversely thereof.- Diametrically opposite portion 38 a square groove-is cut in portion 36 forming walls48 and 4| and a substantially rectangular aperture 42 is formed in member 34. 34 is provided with counterbored bores 43 and 44.

Member35which is complementary to member 34 and is structurally substantially similar is shown as having a circular walled portion 45 knurled thumb nut 1|. The other end of the bolt is cut away on one side and has a transverse rib or bead 12 adapted to engage one of the longitudinal grooves 13 of a blade 14, which blade is the usual straight edge gauge or rule and has graduations in inches or centimeters and fractions thereof. The blade is shown as having one of the grooves 13 on each side and it will be observed that these grooves are closer to one edge than the other for reasons which will be more fully disclosed hereinbelow.

The head l8 and arm l9 are provided with a blade receiving slot 15. Fig. 16 shows said slot 15 to be located centrally and transversely thereof, the extent and depth of the slot being such as will permit the blade to be rotated from the full line position of Fig. 1 to the dotted line position thereof, the limits of such rotatability being indicated by the two stop screws 68 and 69, Fig. 8.

Block 58 and nut 1| are counterbored to receive a coil spring 16. The clamping bolt 10 has a small threaded cross bore 11 to receive a screw 18, an end of which projects beyond the side of bolt 10. A threaded binding screw 19 having a knurled head engages threaded bore 39 in member 38 of circular member 34 and has a reduced end 8| which forms a shoulder 82, and 8| being adapted to fit in bore 56 of binding shoe 55, the free sideof which bears against shoulder 82; the curve face of shoe 55 has the curvature of the wall or aperture 2| such that the tightening of screw 19 will lock the rotatable turret in aperture 2|.

Arm 20 is provided with a second circular walled aperture 83 adapted to receive a rotatable level 84 comprising circular members 85 and 86. Aperture 83 is counterbored to form rabbeted seat 81 for flange 88 of member 86. The outer fiat surface of which has degrees of the circle graduated thereon. In the opposite portion of wall 83; a deeper and beveled rahhet 89 is formed in which is positioned member 95 which has a circular flange portion 99. provided with bevel gear teeth 9.I. The flat face of member 85 has. peripheral graduationsin circular degrees and is. bored and counterbored to receive fiat. headed. screws. 92 by which it is secured to member 89. Members 85. and 86 have registering semi-circular apertures 85a and 86a through which the spirit level can be seen. Member 86 has a cylindrical portion 93., which portion has a central diametrical bore 94 in which is secured a level glass 95. Four equally spaced threaded bores 96 are formed in cylinder 93 in which to receive screws 92 which hold members. 85 and 96 to gether, and cylinder 93 is adapted to fit snugly within the circular flange portion 99. of member 85..

An elongated aperture 91 extends through arm 29 from side to side in which aperture is located a, splayed knurled nut 98 which is provided with a square central aperture 9.9. A threaded bore I99 extends from face 28 in arm 29 and opens into aperture 91, and a continuation thereof extends into arm 29 into aperture 83. Pinion shaft I9I isrot-atable in the extension of bore I99, and carries a bevel pinion I92 that meshes with bevel gear teeth 9| by which to rotate the level assembly. Shaft I9I has a squared portion adapted to fit in squared aperture of nut 98. Shaft I9I has a reduced end portion, a bearing for which is provided by the adjacent end of bore I99 which is smooth bored for a short distance to provide said bearing. A set screw I93 is carried in bore I99 and contacts the end of shaft I9I to permit adjustment of the engagement pinion I92 and bevel gear 9|. A set screw I94 is provided in a cross bore connecting the bore I99 and serves to lock set screw I93.

Shown in Figs. 1, l2, l3, 14, 16 and 18 is a somewhat heart shaped blade attachment I95 having opposite fiat faces and three circular work engaging faces I96, I91 and I98, and has a blade receiving slot I99. The bottom of slot I99 forms a seat for the edge of blade 14 and this seat bisects and is perpendicularto the common tangent of work faces I96 and I91, and bisects the geometrical center of face I98.

A threaded bore H9 is formed in one side of attachment I95 in which is fitted a knurled headed clamping screw III, the inner end of which is formed parabolic (Fig. 19) and is so positioned as to engage one side of the longitudinal groove 13 of blade 14 whereby tightening efiect of attachment I95 is effected as the bottom of slot I99 is pressed against an edge of blade 14. The end of screw III is formed rounded in this manner so that it can also be tightened against a fiat part of the blade when it is desired to use the attachment without reversing the blade. n the opposite side of attachment I95 are three countersunk threaded bores H2, H3 and H4, the centers of which bores are the centers of the geometrical centers of circular work engaging faces I98, I91 and I98, respectively. A cylindrical extension plug II5 (Figs. 12, 13, 16 and 18) is shown having a threaded stud portion I I8 and a threaded bore II1 which is also countersunk and bifurcated to permit use of a screw driver or such.

Head I9 is provided with a threaded countersunk bore. II8 adjacent corner 39. and arms I9 and 29 are provided with threaded countersunk bores I19 and. I29, respectively, adjacent circular work faces 29' and 28, respectively. The radius of plug H5 is. the. same as the. distance from the center of: bores IIZ, II3, I14, H9 and I29: to-

their respective. circular work faces; I95, 19], 10.3., 29 and 28, respectively. Similarly. this same radial distance is. the same as the dis ance. from the center of bore 8 from. faces 2. and .4.. By the use. of one or more plugs II5 the effective length of the circular work faces 28 and 29 or surfaces 22 and 24 can be, extended as. clear y shown in Figs. 12, l6, l8, and 22. Likewise, the length of. circular work engaging surfaces: I99, I 91 and I98 on attachment I95 may be extended. Two or more. plugs H5 may be: secured together by threading the one into the. end of the other using stud portions H6 and threaded bores l'I'I. The tool may be. used as a height or surfac auge as shown in. Fig. 22 securing one or more plugs H5 in each threaded bore H8. and I19. so. that. the. tool rests on face 22.. The blade. 14. may then be positioned vertically, and. surface g uge. of which ther are. many on the market may be attached thereto.

Apolygon reading; plate I2.I (Figs..2, 1.4. and 1'1) is secured as. by screws I22 to head I8. adjacent protractor member 34. Plate I2I serves, also to.

cover a notch 3Ia in circular wall 3| which notch is necessary to permit the introduction of blade seating member 51 which has the shoulders 69 and 91 as this member must be placed in. position through circular aperture 2I as the first step in the assembly of the rotatable turret.

Identified by the numeral I23 (Figs. 20 and 21) I show a flat faced bar substantially L- shaped in cross section adapted to be rapidly attached or detached by means of a pair of U- shaped resilient clips I23a which are inwardly depressed to form the beads I231) formed to. fit the countersunk bores H9 and I29 adjacent. ends of arms I9 and 29. Extending one half the. length of and located centrally of the bar I23 is a blade receiving slot I280. This attachment is very useful for checking cylinder walls and the like, when it is snapped onto the tool with the blade at right angles to the face of the bar as in Fig. 20, scale I24'being read at indicating mark I25 will give the degree of angularity in regards to the blade and bar I23. The clips may be welded or riveted to the bar as shown.

Circular member of the protractor head is shown to have a circular scale I24 (Fig. 1) graduated in degrees from zero to ninety with two rows of numerals which allows reading both ways. Head I8 bears two indicating marks I25 and I26 bearing symbols, mark I25 bearing a circular symbol and mark I29 bearing a square symbol.

' 7 These indicating marks will register opposite one or the. other of the zero ninety degree graduations of scale I24 when the blade 14 is in the position to bisect the interior angle and when it. is at right angles to face 212, respectively, as indicated by the. full and dotted line positions of the'blade in Fig. l.

The reading of the scale I25 with respect to indicating mark [25 will give a reading of the angle the blade 14 makes with respect to the bisector of the interior angle formed by faces 25 and 26. Similarly, readings of the scale I24 with respect to indicating mark I26 would indicate the angle formed by the blade 14 with respect to work face 22. Indicating marks similar to I25 and I29 are formed on both sides of arm 29 adjacent circular members and88 of level 84 which provides settings for either of the circular degree scales I21 laid out on members 85 and 99.

Circular member 34 of the protractor headv (Fig. 2) is shown as having a scale I28 with graduations from zero to 12 and a scale I29 with graduations numbered consecutively from 3 to 10 and in addition 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 24. An indicating mark I30 is formed on head I8 adjacent scale I 23 and readings of this scale with respect to mark I30 will register pitch or rise in inches and fractions thereof per foot of run measured by the angle between the blade I4 and work face 22.

Polygon readingplate I2I is provided with a scale I3I having graduations as shown numbered similarly to scale I29. The protractor head is set with two corresponding numbers on this scale opposite, for instance, 3-3 as shown (Fig. 2) is set to lay out the miter cut for a polygon of three sides with work face 22 against the work object and the mark being made along blade I4.

This feature is believed to be advantageous over devices heretofore used which have provided only one reading or indicating mark. As the miter cuts for many sided polygons are only one or two degrees apart, their respective lines and numbers are so close together as to make an accurate setting of the instrument difficult. By providing an individual reading mark on each scale I29 and I3I it is possible to set the protractor accurately to obtain the miter cut for the desired polygon. Certain polygons such as those having 11, 13, 15, 17, 21, 22 and 23 sides have been omitted from the scales as these are rarely used.

If and when an obstacle is encountered on the work object, or in the event that for any reason it is found impractical to use work face 22 after the blade has been set for any particular polygon, or bevel, the tool may be turned over and the degrees of angularity read on scale I24 using reading mark I26. The blade may now be swung into the enclosed angle and the protractor set to read at the same degree angle using the reading mark I25. Thus the circular work faces 28 and 29 which may straddle said obstacle may be applied to the work object and the blade will give the proper angle for the desired polygon miter or bevel out.

In order to swing the blade from its one extreme position to the other as shown in Fig. 1, it is necessary that the blade receiving slot I extend the entire length of faces 22, 24 and 26. Any weakness this slot imparts to the tool is thought to be overcome by the novel design of the split protractor turret, and adjustable blade seating member, to Wit:

If the sectional view Fig. 3 is studied, it will be noted that the rabbeted or recessed shoulders 32 and 33 formed in both sides of circular wall 3| ar engaged by the flanges 31 and 48 as when i an assembled condition with the two parts that make up the protractor head 34 and 35 held firmly together by oversize screws 52 and 53. Any chance of the body spreading apart is eliminated. Moreover, any chance of the body being pinched together and binding on the blade is taken care of by the blade seating member 51, which should be slightly thicker than the blade 14. As may be noted in Fig. 8, the two projections of 57, namely 66 and 61 project into the slot beyond wall3I and act as separators to maintaln clearance for the blade. I consider the adjustable blade seat 51 to be a very important part of this tool. I believe it to be unique and novel in a number of Ways when compared with the prior art.

, Some degree of novelty is exercised in adapting the projections 66 and 61 to contact the stop screws 68 and 69 as heretofore these stop screws were contacted by the blade directly which results in wear as the blade is moved to and fro longitudinally. Obviously the resulting wear throws the tool out of adjustment, which seems to be overcome in the present arrangement as 6%: and 61 make an abutting contact with stop screws 68 and 69.

If and when it is found necessary to adjust blade seat 5'I' to compensate for wear on same, this may be done by loosening the two screws 52 and 53 which pass through the elongated holes 64 and 65. It now becomes apparent that the square block 58 which is confined snugly between the walls 40 and 4| of one side of the protractor, and walls 46 and 41 of the other half of the pro tractor, may be moved laterally, but not angularly. I wish to emphasize this, for this reason: once this tool is adjusted at the factory, possibly thelast operation would be to stamp the reading marks I25, I26 and I3!) on the body I8 and adjust the polygon reading plate also. Any lateral adjustment thereafter would not affect these reading marks, but it is very obvious that an angular adjustment of the blade would. Of course, it is understood that the angular adjustment i taken care of by stop screws 68 and 69. Moreover, this method also eliminates thenecessity of any accurate finish grinding of the blade seatwith respect to the working faces as is now customary.

By those skilled in the art it i known to be of considerable advantage to have one edge of the blade stand clear of the head regardless of the degree or angle at which they may be temporarily related, As a means to this end, it has been customary heretofore to remove all interfering corners from the head, or to form that portion of the body adjacent the, protractor head generally circular in contour or to substantially widen the blade. Different means are employed in the present embodiment, to wit: The present protractor headis reduced to a minimum size,

due consideration being had for accessibility to knurled nut on the clamping bolt. Due consideration is also given to the length and capacity of the blade seating surface which is deemed suificient. This smaller protractor head allows it to 'be disposed in close proximity to corner 3|] and when combined with blade I4 on which the groove I3 is removed from its customary central position to a position adjacent one edge thereof, it becomes apparent one edge of the blade and the graduations thereon will extend clear of corner 30. It is understood that said bladeis of a width that is popular and in common use; being preferable by reason of its width being a unit of measurement.

From the above described construction which is illustrated in Fig. 2, it is shown that corner 30 which does not interfere with blade 74 need not be removed as heretofore resorted to. Furthermore, it is considered advantageous by those skilled in the art to form two working faces integrally, joined and disposed at an angle of degrees one to the other. Such construction is indicated by face 24 intercepting and arranged at right angles to face 22 which allows of com plementary angles being disposed on the work object without mental calculation. Although this right angle formed by two working faces may be arranged on other parts of the body remote to the protractor head, preference is given to a position close to the axisof rotation of the blade which allows said blade to be extended from the head and utilized to its fullest extent.

The manner in which complementary angles may be disposed on the work object when laying out rafters, braces, etc., may be made clear by referring to Fig. 2 which shows the tool set to mark the cut on a rafter having 8, inch rise to 1 foot run, commonly called one-third pitch. After face 22 has been engaged to the rafter and the bottom out marked along the blade, the top or complementary cut is obtained by engaging face 24 to the work and the mark is again made along the blade 14, thus both cuts can be disposed on the work with but one setting of the blade. short face 24 is considered to be of insufiicient length or acts unstable when engaged to the work object. The long face 22 may be used for marking both cuts as follows: If the degree scale I24 is consulted, two rows of numbers will be found thereon reading both ways from zero to ninety. Assuming that the blade is still in the same position as shown in Fig. 2, it will be found that the indicating mark I26 will show on the row of numbers that read from right to left, that the de gree of angularity existing between face 22 and the blade 14 is approximately 34 degrees. On the other row of numbers reading from left to right, reading mark I25 will also indicate that 56 degrees is complementary to 34 degrees, and the blade may be swung into this angle and face '22 applied to the work to obtain the ridge cut on a rafter for a roof of one-third pitch. Thus it is obvious the pitch scale I30 works in harmony with the degree scale I24. The degree of angle of any pitch may be quickly ascertained, or vice versa, without any mental calculation. The same can be said to be true in regards to the cooperation existing between the polygonscale I29 and the degree scale I24 as it is often con venient to know just what the angle a certain polygon miter cut amounts to.

In scribing a line a predetermined distance from the arcuate edge of a surface to be so marked, it is customary for the mechanic to employ the old-fashioned center square. While this is a worthy tool when usedfor its intended purpose of center finding, it functions poorly when used as a circular scribe. For example: Assume that it is desired to scribe a line parallel and co-centric to the edge of and from end to end of a curved segment. Certain difficulties are encountered. I

First: If the edge of the material engaged by the terminals of the tool be not quite smooth,

said terminals are very apt to dig in and chatter, resulting in a wobbly line at variance with the contour of the edge. Very little consideration is given to this part of the tool in manufacture heretofore, some tools having but slightly rounded work engaging ends while others are cut off blunt or square and present sharp corners to the work object. Obviously, any small work object such as would be confined within the angle would not be affected. The difiiculties mentioned pertain to curved or circular work having a larger radius, say from one foot up.

Second: The desired line can not be scribed from end to end, it being apparent that one arm of the tool will run off the end of the segment before the scribing element has completedsaid line. I overcome the first difiiculty by providing the circular work contacting faces 28 and 29 which Another method may be resorted to if the i will glide along the edge of the work object, be

it smooth or rough seen as would result from attachment I mater a th are Until the are seeing or such. v1 overcometheseconddif flculty by providing the small heart shaped blade attachment I05. The use of which allows 5. line to be scribed from end to ease: the f'w rk as 'shownin Fig. 14-, and to thebesto'f my knowledge notool has ever been provided that would do this. Moreover, it is another object of this invention to provide means whereby a frapia'anuacc'urate squaring or mitering of the ends of ar'cuate segments of work can be accomplished without the attendant waste of material heretofore resulting from the :use of the familiar center square (referred'to above) or other such tool for this purpose. "By'using the means rprovme in the blade 05 the desired-miter or radial out disposed ease "and at the exwhatever circular segments of being workediipon. is

may be marked or tremej terminus of considered desirable as the workman is often refquire'dito use material that is expensive. n

, Onemannerofdoing this is demonstrated in Fig. '14 where the three faces 28, 29 andIIJB are slitiwn engaging or contacting the arcuate edge or thejworkfObj CtC'and shows how theftwodifficulties mentioned above are overcome; namely, to scribe a line ft" m end to 'end on the work object and to'mark the desirdcut at'the extreme terminus of the material. Another manner is shown at Fig. 1, an explanation of which follows.

In'Fig. 1 I seek to show how the heart shaped gauge I05 may be used to advantage. Assuming 'I'have a work object in the form of a circular segment, one edge of which might be of a radius such as is indicated by the full line A, and desiring to square both ends of this material, Iplace the tool 'in' such a position that the faces 28 and 29 will contact the work and with the blade I4 lying flat on the work, I slide the gauge I05 along the blade faces I09 and I01 will engage said work. I05 may now be fixed in this position by screw II'I.

I now have a tool comprising a plurality of circular work engaging surfaces (an arc conformator). If the .tool as a whole is moved to a position adjacentthe end of the work or to the right, for instance, faces 28 and I00 will extend past the same, but faces 29 and I0! will still bear against the work object and a right line may be marked along indexing edge of blade I4 which is located between I06 and H11. Of course the other end of the work may be marked in like manner. Thus it is obvious that I provide simple means whereby a radial cut or other line may be marked or disposed at the extreme terminus of a work object.

In using this improved tool for the purpose described above and in the manner described above no trouble should be encountered on any work the radius of which-is confined to the smaller brackets, but as the radius is increased, the circumference approaches a straight line. It is apparent that the faces 28, I00, I0I and 29 will also approach a straight line and the bearing span will be decreased accordingly between faces 28 and l06' or 29 and I07. When a situation like this arises or at any time the tool acts unstable when applied to the work, or if there are many pieces of work to be marked, or if there were any obstruction on the work which would cause one of the diverging arms to interfere, another mannor of doing this work is shown by dotted line D which is the same radius as A. v

In this case 28 and 29 are applied to the work in a spot where the radius is known to be true, then a line is drawn on the work along indexing edge "or made I4. The blade may now be swung'to its opposite extent of rotation or any suitable intermediate point. The blade is now laid back on the work and brought to register with said line and at the same time I05 is adjusted and clamped in position, thus faces 29, I06 and I! will contactedge of work and the tool as a whole may be moved to the terminus of the work object as before, but will have to be turned over if it is desired to mark a cut on the opposite terminus of work object. Thus it is clear the span between the contacting faces may be increased at will.

As for the dotted lines B and E in Fig. 1, any explanation in regards to these would only be a duplication of the above. As thetool may be used in a similar manner when applied to the periphery of an arc, the only difference being shown is I fixed on the other edge of the blade when engaging dotted line E. When used thusly, the round terminus of screw III is brought into use and bears directly on blade 14. Personally, I would only use this manner of fixing I05 on the blade as a last resort as it can be avoided byturning the blade end for end, while on the other hand I wish to show that the attachment I05 can be used in the manner just described and readily attached to the blade of those squares now in common use wherein the groove is located centrally thereof.

While on the subject of scribing, mention should be made of another worthwhile function peculiar'to this tool. I refer to the manner in which a line may be scribed parallel to the edge of any work object having an irregular outline such as an ogee curve for example. Reference is now made to Fig. 14 which shows faces 28, 29 and I08 contacting the curve edge of a work object C. Now let it be assumed that said edge were to be extended to show an ogeecurve and it is desired to scribe a line parallel to the same. The manner in which this can be done is very simple and is as follows: The gauge I05 is fastened on the blade as shown in Fig. 14 with the factor or amount of parallelism extending from face I08 to end ofblade and if knurled nut II 15 left slightly loose the blade will be allowed to move in or out as the tool as a whole is moved along the irregular curve. A slight pressure is needed to keep face I00 in steady contact with the work, the curvature of I08 adapts it to contact either a concave or convex edge. The desired result may be easily accomplished. Thus another handy use is found for this small heartshaped attachment I05.

Moreover, in Fig. 23 I show that the blade and attachment I05 form a center square of small proportion very useful for locating the center or marking radial lines or such on a small work object, such as the cylinder F, showing that the circular faces I06 and I01 may be engaged to the inner or outer cylindrical surfaces of such an object.

The curvature of the rounded or semi-cylindrical work contacting faces 28 and 29 could be of a form other than truly circular, such as ellipsoid, cycloid, paraboloid, etc., but I consider the form illustrated in the present embodiment advantageous as it allows the cylindrical plugs or extensions I I5 to be used as shown in Figs. 16 and 18. As each and all of the circular work contacting faces 28 and 29, I06, I0! and I08 are. all of the same radii and are bored and threaded at their respective axis and the extensions I I5 are of a similar radius and'have the threaded extensions, it is obvious that a simple, inexpensive and novel means is provided to extend said faces lat.-

erally from either side of the tool for a purpose that will be instantly recognized and appreciated by those skilled in the use of such tools, who are often required to mark a cut on the surface of material that presents a molded or beveled or such edge as cannot be properly contacted by the working faces of the square. I believe that Fig. 18 will explain this matter as it shows the method and advantage of extensions as applied to work having such a form.

Moreover, when such a molded work object is straight and it is desired to make a square or any polygon miter cut face 22 may be extended by screwing an extension I I5 into threaded bore II9 of 29, and another extension I I 5 in threaded bore II 8 which is located adjacent corner 30. Moreover, if the two extensions just mentioned are not long enough to reach a bearing surface, two more extensions may be screwed into them as the threaded bore II 1 shown in Figs. 12 and 13 are there for that purpose.

New and convenient means are provided to facilitate the operation of reversing the facing position of the blade. When it is desired to reverse the blade either side for side or end for end, merely unscrew knurled nut II until it binds on pin 18. The blade can then be withdrawn, turned over side for side and readily reinserted.

If the blade should be turned end for end after it is withdrawn, it is obvious the clamping bolt 10 will have to be rotated I80 degrees before it can be reinserted, as the lugs or ears formed on clamping bolts and their cooperating keyways or guiding grooves commonly used heretofore are dispensed with. The clamping bolt 70 may be freely rotated by turning nut II, if and when said nut 1| is in binding contact with screw I8. Moreover, the projecting head of screw I8 is so positioned in the bolt 10 that it always indicates the relative position of the transverse bead 12; this facilitates aligning bead I2, (which is otherwise concealed) with the groove I3 of blade I4. This is a very simple, economical and convenient means for obtaining the desired result.

A lengthy discourse on the many and varied functions which may be performed by the handy little adjustable level is not necessary. I believe it will fill along felt want and should find much favor among those who are familiar with the use of such tools, to whom the old uses will be apparent and the new ones will readily suggest themselves.

As referred to heretofore, it will be noted that I use the same symbols for the indicating marks as shown in Fig. 1. The level is set to indicate that any work engaged by face 22 would be level or horizontal while on the other hand if the work were engaged by the blade in dotted lines, the work would be plumb or vertical and would be read at the lower square reading mark. The upper would be used if face 22 Were engaged to underside of soflit of the work. Of course in this latter position, the level would have been rotated degrees.

The same explanation applies to the manner of using the circle reading marks which are to be used if the bar I23 were in a working position as shown in Fig. 20, or when the work object is contacted by faces 28 and 29, and when so used it is obvious that any circular object standing in a vertical position could be laid off into halves, quarters or any number of parts or degrees. Also note that both sides of the level are graduated into degrees and both sides of arm 20 have similar indicating marks. This allows thetool to be used in an ambidextrousmanner for leveling or plumbing purposes.

In order to use the level to the best advantage, it is obvious that the work object should be in an upright or vertical position and as many mechanics work is confined to a horizontal or flat plane, a tool without the level would answer their needs and result in some saving. I show such a tool in Fig. 14 which shows the level aperture as a handy place to carry the heart-shaped gauge I when it is not in use but is available at all times and not apt to be left in a tool box or other place.

In this form of the tool the rotatable level 84 is eliminated and the space otherwise occupied by it is used for the attachment. The arm 20 is provided with a circular aperture I32 adapted to receive the attachment I05 which may be placed therein and turned about a quarter turn and secured against loss by tightening screw III to a web I33 interfitting with slot I09.

In Figs. 24 to 29 I show a modified form of my invention. In this form the square is simplified and is intended to be used principally as a handy tool for work requiring either the use of a square or center bead. In this modified form the features of the form of Figs. 1 to 19 have been carried out as far as possible with particular reference to accuracy and adjustability, provision being made for resetting of the blade adjusting means after wear. In this embodiment I show a head I35 having arms I36 and I31 corresponding to arms I9 and 20 having a base edge or work face I38, a work face I39 at right angles thereto, and a work face I40 at 45 degrees from face I39. An inside right angle recess is formed by work faces MI and I42 which meet at a recessed apex I43. Circular work engaging faces I44 and I45 are formed at the ends of arms I36 and I31 to correspond to work faces 28 and 29. Arm I31 is provided with a blade receiving slot I46 which after being cut is filled in with a block I41 which is held by rivets I48 in order to strengthen the arm.

Head I35 is provided with an aperture I49 having a semicircular wall portion I50. Faces I38 and I39 meet in a corner I5I and adjacent this corner a boss I52 extends into aperture I49. A

smooth bore I53 is formed in boss I52 and receives an adjustable blade seating pin I54. A blade holding member I55 having a recess I56 for interfitting with boss I52 is provided with a bore I51 for pivot mounting on pin I54 in bore I53. Member I55 is provided with a bore I58 to receive a blade clamping bolt I59 similar to bolt of my hereinabove described embodiment. Bolt I59 has a threaded end portion I60 for a knurled thumb nut I6I. The other end of the bolt is cut away on one side and has a transverse rib or bead I62 adapted to engage one of the longitudinal grooves I63 of a blade I64. Member I55 and nut I6I are counterbored to receive a coil spring I65. Bolt I59 is provided with a small crossbore in which is a set screw I66 similar to screw 18.

Head I35 is provided with smooth bores to receive seating pins I61 and I68 which are structurally identical with pin I54 and each of these pins is formed with a blade receiving reces I69 forming a blade seating surface I10 which is circular, however, eccentric with respect to the axis of the pins. Surface I10 is undercut at I1I so as to make the width of surface I10 slightly less than that of the thickness of the blade I64 so that the corner edges of the blade, should they become nicked 'or damaged, will'notbi'nd'in .recess I69 should dirt accumulate therein. Pins I54, I61 and I68 each have a serrated endpor tion' I12 adapted for engagement with a serrated aperture I13 of a lock washer I14 which may be secured to pin by a cap screw I15 screwed into a threaded bore I16 of each pin. Each washer I14 has an elongated slot I11 adapted for engagement with a lock screw I19, bores for which are provided in head I35 and member l55,frecesses I19 being formed in the head and member I55, respectively, so that the heads of screws I15 and I18 will not extend above the-surface of the head.

It will thereforebe seen that pins I54, I61 and I68 may be adjusted with very fine settings to any circular position, changes in which will change the position of blade I64 which can thus be accurately set for the right angle and center square positions even after long use and wear on the blade seating surfaces, and furthermore it will be clear that no accurate machining of blade seating surfaces is required as heretofore in manufacture. Pins I54, I61 and I68 are each formed with a screw driver slot I by which the pins may be turned for making adjustment, while screws I18 are loosened or removed if necessary to shift the position of washer I14 to another position on serrated portions I12.

Semi-circular wall I50 is provided with a pair of grooves I8I and I82 slightly V-cut to receive the correspondingly shaped end I83 of a spring clip I84 which is provided with a pair of screw holes I85 for the reception of screws I86 by which it is secured to member I55. Head I35 is cut away as at I81 at the ends of grooves I8I and I82 to permit entrance of a finger or thumb nail to release clip I84 for changing the position of the member I55 in shifting blade I64 from a position where it is at right angles to face I38 as shown in Fig. 24 to a position where it bisects the enclosed angle formed by faces MI and I42 as shown in Fig. 25, or vice versa.

Arms I36 and I31 are provided with countersunk threaded bores I88 and I89 cocentric with the circular work engaging faces I44 and I45 for the attachment of plugs H5 in the manner and for the uses hereinabove described in connection with the tool of Figs. 1, 2 and 14.

Having described my invention, what I claim 1. A tool as described comprising a head having a pair of arms extending angularly therefrom, side portions of said head and arms having work engaging surfaces, one of said arms having a blade receiving slot, a blade adapted to be adjustably positioned in said slot and having a groove extending the length thereof closer to one side than the other, a protractor head rotatably mounted in said tool head and having blade seating and engaging means, said means including a seating member, a bolt having a transverse bead adapted to engage said blade groove, a lock nut on said bolt, and a stop on said bolt for said lock nut when in retracted position whereby said bolt may be turned by said lock nut.

2. A tool as described, comprising a head having a pair of arms extending angularly therefrom, said head and arms having a blade receiving slot, a circular aperture in said head, a twopart blade securing turret rotatably mounted in said aperture, a U-shaped blade seating element adjustably secured between said parts in the plane of said slot and having a block portion provided with a blade receiving slot and a bore,

a reversible bolt in said bore having a blade groove engaging bead, and a stop pin adapted to indicate the position of said bead.

3. A tool as described, comprising a head having a pair of arms extending angularly therefrom, said head and arms having a blade receiving slot, a circular aperture in said head, a twopart blade securing turret rotatably mounted in said aperture, a U-shaped blade seating element adjustably secured between said parts in the plane of said slot and having a block portion provided with a blade receiving slot and a bore, a reversible bolt in said bore having a blade groove engaging bead, a spring seated nut on said bolt adapted to bias said bolt so as to firmly retain the edge of the blade in contact with said blade seating element.

4. A tool as described, comprising a head hav-' ing a pair of arms extending angularly therefrom, said head and arms having a. blade receiving slot, a circular aperture in said head, a twopart blade securing turret rotatably mounted in said aperture, a U-shaped blade seating element adjustably secured between said parts in the plane of said slot, means including a resilient element adapted to engage a blade and bias the same toward said blade seating element, an abutment on said blade seating element, and an adjustable stop in said head extending into said slot adapted to engage said abutment whereby to determine a selected angular position of said blade with respect to saidwhead and arms.

MALCOLM KEEGAN. 

